RE: feathers or vains
Jeff is pretty much right on with his comments though I personally prefer vanes. There is less fuss to install them. They are more durable provided you aren't shooting up your fletchings during practice and you do not have to do anything to them for bad weather situations.
Feathers are more forgiving of rest contact, etc... and are generally lighter which promotes slightly better arrow speed. Some of them are noisy in flight though.